Saturday, October 5, 2013

A few months ago I was running a quick errand and spotted a couple of Stormtroopers hanging out at one of our local Wal-mart stores. Yes, Stormtroopers. They belonged to the 501st Legion:

“...The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work..."

I really wanted to bring Veronica and Jacinta back to see them but we had a full schedule that day and couldn’t swing it. Ever since then I’ve been stalking the Facebook page of our local 501st chapter, the Dune Sea Garrison, so we could try to catch them at another event. Finally, it happened!

Today is the second annual Star Wars Reads Day, which celebrates both reading and Star Wars. Two things I can get behind! We headed to a nearby bookstore for the event.

First, we had to get past the guards. They made sure to let us know that it’s not only boys who can be Stormtroopers; one of the scouts is a girl!

Then we faced the dangers of the Sith. Jacinta looks understandably concerned.

Or maybe she just had to go to the bathroom.

We also met members of the Mandalorian Mercs, who specialize in Mandalorian costumes, of course.

There were some activities for the kids to do.

Jedi…or Stormtrooper? Decisions.

Training needs to begin early. She’ll grow into the helmet, I guess.

The cantina band showed up to provide some music.

And it wouldn’t be Star Wars without…Jedi!

I think I have some costume-making lessons to learn from these folks. It didn’t help that Veronica’s robe is a year old. She has grown a lot!

Everyone was extremely friendly and more than willing take pictures with us and to share about their costumes. And chat about Star Wars, of course. Though the girls were a little shy at first, Jacinta ended up giving a big hug to Duchess Satine by the end. A special thank you to Bookman’s for hosting, and to the friendly staff-member who took this picture for us. We’ll look forward to Star Wars Reads Day again next year.